Bioengineering Graduate Certificate

Program Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: I have a B.S. degree in engineering. I have taken one chemistry course but I have never taken any biology course. What should I do?
   A: Taking the PCB 4522 Molecular Genetics is like learning how to swim while jumping into the deep water. It is not easy, but many students like you have already done it, and managed to survive. As you take the Molecular Genetics course, keep a college level Biology textbook handy, so you can do some additional reading as necessary.
    
2. Q: I have a B.S. degree in Biology. I have taken a Genetics course, but not a Molecular Genetics. Should I sign up to PCB 4522?
   A: Yes.
    
3. Q: I have a B.S. degree in Biology. I have taken the Calculus courses, but I have never taken a Differential Equations course. Do I have to sign up for one as a deficiency?
   A: Differential Equations is an "optional deficiency". Some of the engineering courses, like Introduction to Bioengineering and Bio-systems Modeling and Control do require some familiarity with differential equations. Other courses, such as Nanotechnology or Bioinformatics - the Bioengineering Perspective, do not need mathematics beyond the level of Calculus. As you sign up to some of the more mathematical engineering courses, we can recommend some supplementary reading.
    
4. Q: I have a degree in one of the Science disciplines, but I never took Calculus or a higher level mathematics course. Can I still be admitted to the Bioengineering Certificate program?
   A: No.
    
5. Q: I am an FAU graduate student. Can the Bioengineering Certificate program courses also count as electives in my graduate degree program?
   A: In general - yes. Consult with your graduate advisor. In some of the engineering non-thesis option graduate programs most of the courses are electives. You may easily fit in the Bioengineering courses.
    
6. Q: I am taking the Bioengineering Certificate program on a non-degree-seeking basis. If I later change my mind and am admitted to one of the graduate programs can I transfer all my certificate program courses into the graduate program?
   A: In general, and this is true for all FAU graduate programs. With the approval of your graduate advisor, you may transfer no more than three courses taken as non-degree-seeking into the graduate program.
    
7. Q: My work schedule makes it very difficult for me to attend courses offered during regular work hours. I noticed that all engineering and computer science courses are offered via the Engineering Distance Education program, however the science courses are not. What can I do?
   A: For the moment there are no plans to offer Science courses through the Engineering Distance Education office. Some "wet lab" courses such as the Biotechnology Lab must be taken on campus (this course is offered both on the Boca Raton and the Davie campuses). Some hands-on computer lab courses such as Bioinformatics must also be taken on campus. The Molecular Genetics course is typically a high-enrollment course offered during the day in a large auditorium (course is offered both on the Boca Raton and Davie campuses). Be aware that when taking such science courses, you will have to make special accommodations in your workplace.
    
8. Q: Does the Certificate Program involve any co-op work in the Biotech industry?
   A: Not yet. Possibly in the future.
    
9. Q: Does the program require a continuous enrollment? Should I take at least one course every semester?
   A: Not necessarily. We do however expect graduation within two years.
    
10. Q: Should advising be done in person? How much of the advising can be done over the phone or by email?
    A: All of the advising can be done by phone or email. All advising related email messages will be printed and placed in your personal folder. It is recommended to periodically update your advising sheet information. All copies of your advising sheet will be kept in your folder.
     
11. Q: Should I really provide official transcripts for all my prior academic work, when applying to the program? Will photocopies of transcripts do?
    A: Photocopies of transcripts can help expedite the initial advising. However your formal admittance in the program may be deferred until the official transcripts are received.
     
12. Q: My undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, however my major courses GPA is above 3.0. Can I be admitted into the program?
    A: You may be admitted based on your last year or last two years GPA. Transcript figures will determine admittance.
     
13. Q: My undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, but I have many years of practical industry experience. Can I be admitted?
    A: No.
     
14. Q : May I join the Bioengineering Certificate Program as an international student?
    A: The Bioengineering Certificate program cannot initiate student visas. However, international students can have a student visa issued by the FAU International Students and Scholar Services office based on prior acceptance to one of the FAU graduate programs. After the student has met all other requirements for receiving a student visa, and is pursuing one of the regular graduate degree programs then they may also join the Bioengineering Certificate program.
     
15. Q: I am a potential international student interested in the Bioengineering Certificate program. Which FAU agencies does your program recognize to translate my transcripts?
    A: Review of translated transcripts is done by the FAU Graduate College and by the department coordinating the graduate degree to which you are enrolling. The Bioengineering Certificate program relies on this transcript review.